The air ambulance service launched in the Maldives yesterday has made its maiden flight to Haa Dhaalu Kulhudhuffushi.

The patient was transferred from Kulhudhuffushi to Male' City at 3:20pm.

The air ambulance service, which was launched jointly by the Ministry of Health, NSPA and Island Aviation, is currently using a Dash-8 aircraft used by Maldivian. The flight has been equipped with emergency medical facilities, the Ministry of Health said.

A seaplane will also be used under the service. The seaplane is scheduled to be brought into operation on the 15th of this month.

According to the Health Ministry, 15 health workers have been trained to provide air ambulance services. They include five doctors, five nurses and five emergency medical technicians.